In a significant development on immigration enforcement, Venezuela has officially agreed to restart accepting deportation flights from the United States after a period of suspension. The move marks a breakthrough in ongoing negotiations between the two governments aimed at addressing the growing number of Venezuelan nationals crossing into the U.S.
The agreement enables the Trump administration to resume the repatriation of Venezuelan nationals who have received final removal orders or committed crimes on American soil. U.S. immigration authorities confirmed that preparations are underway to organize the first flights in the coming weeks.
Officials highlighted that the resumption of deportation flights would help alleviate pressure on immigration detention facilities currently housing thousands of Venezuelan migrants awaiting removal. The backlog had worsened after Venezuela previously refused to accept deportees, forcing many to be released into the country under supervision.
Venezuelan officials signaled that the decision was made following assurances that only individuals with criminal convictions or those violating U.S. immigration laws would be on board the flights. The agreement is also expected to strengthen cooperation on border security and transnational crime enforcement.
The resumption of deportation flights is seen as a critical step by the Trump administration in efforts to regain control of the southern border and reduce the record surge of illegal crossings involving Venezuelan nationals.